Film: Bullet Train

Spoiler Alert: Bullet Train is pure action. Beautiful and entertaining action, and worth seeing for any action-loving film fan.

Bullet Train, the new 87 North Productions (87 Eleven Stunt Action) directed by David Leitch, is based on a book by Kotaro Isaka and adapted to film by screenwriter Zak Olkewicz. The premise is uncomplicated, five assassins are carrying out seemingly unrelated missions on the same bullet train as they travel through Japan.

Let me take a moment, though, and take a step back. Because to me, the action present in Bullet Train is more than just fighting on a fast-moving train. It’s a poetic dance that keeps me grounded. 

There is a lot going on in the world, and sometimes that pressure and turmoil call for a release. While others might like a stroll through nature or diving into the newest YA romance novel, I find my calm through action movies. I’m sure the reasoning is rooted in my youth because I was raised on action films, I’m a military brat with an older brother who was a martial artist. I realized recently that action movies ground me as it connects me back to a simpler time in my life.

Then, a few years ago, I was privileged to dip my enthusiastic toe into the expansive waters of the stunt world, and my love for this genre was made stronger by my utter respect for this community. The talent and athleticism that these men and women possess are fascinating. It goes way beyond mastering martial arts, it’s as if they are masters of movement. They might hide their faces behind the actors they are doubling, but their contributions to the films they are cast in are immeasurable.

In other others, when I saw the 87 Eleven production title card, I giggled like a school girl. I am a huge fan of their stunt actors (teams and coordinators) and productions, and I knew I was going to love this film before the first scene played on the big screen. Then again, if you aren’t fans of these types of movies, the John Wicks and Atomic Blondes of the world, you probably aren’t going to line up for this movie anyway. In other words, you know what you are getting yourself into with this genre. I absolutely think you should see this movie, but also understand that poetic action is not everyone’s cup of tea.

However, if high octane fighting with machinery is your brand, then Bullet Train is what you have been waiting for. The thing that makes 87 Eleven stand out, to me at least, is the way they incorporate action sequences and elements into the stories they produce. The action is always a part of the core of these characters, it’s a part of the theme, and it’s a part of the driving force that moves the adventure along. In Bullet Train, these 5 assassins are each trained and skilled in their own right and they aren’t trying to peacock around the train. But when they encounter a threat, then the skill comes to the forefront. These sequences are the gold star moments of the movie, the popcorn moments, but they never feel forced. The action is used to highlight the story. In that emphasis, the story elevates to something beyond its simple tagline. 

There would be no emphasis if it wasn’t for the stunt performers and coordinators. While the goal of the performer is to be silent players, for me these are the true stars of the film. They are the ones that make these movies what they are. Their talent truly is an art form, something that is breathtaking to watch. The elegant rumble that the stunt coordinator, Greg Rementer, was able to create was beyond belief. Not only was each character set in their own fighting styles, but he used the elements and restrictions available to him on a bullet train. They were fun to watch, for both entertainment value and as a study of what a brawling body can do.

The stunt performers put as much energy and care into their acting action sequences as the actors themselves do. The blending of two people into one character is flawless, pushing each other to step up their A-game. One of the most fun aspects of Bullet Train is the casting. There are some actors that you are thrilled to see again in an action film, like Zazie Beetz (The Hornet), Andrew Koji (Kimora), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Tangerine), and Hiroyuki Sanada (The Elder). Then you have the actors that you don’t necessarily associate with this type of action, Brad Pit (Ladybug), Joey King (Prince), Brian Tyree Henry (Lemon), and Bad Bunny (Wolf). The casting is fantastic, a little bit of old players and a few new players, blended into the perfect mash of acting talent and combat prowess. To add a cherry to this very rich dessert is the sprinklings of humor throughout the film. It’s a little levity to the labyrinth of 5 missions intersecting in the gloom. This movie is a different breed in the genre, and I’m all for it.

Bullet Train is a specific type of action movie, one that takes the elements of a straightforward story and elaborates the journey with athletic artistry. The fight scenes are plenty and unique, with moments to come up for air before the next segment of combat begins. It’s a fun ride, and one with a wonderful unexpected full-circle moment in the end. It is an entertaining ride, one I can’t wait to go on again. The release of Bullet Train comes at a time when a break from the crazy world we live in is needed most. Who knows, maybe of my analysis is wrong, but they just go with it.

Bullet Train opens nationwide in theaters on Friday, August 5.

Written by Lisa M Mejia
Images provided by Sony